Studio 58 Studio 58 Grads
Photo by Emily Cooper
The Studio 58 network extends far and wide, spans nearly six decades and includes hundreds of students who have trained here. We are proud of the talented, disciplined and experienced alumni that make up the community of professionals we see in the performing arts today.
Many now work in organizations such as The Arts Club, Stratford and Shaw Festivals, Soulpepper, The Belfry, The Citadel and The Royal Shakespeare Company. They appear in countless films and commercials globally. They create independent film and theatre companies; write plays, screenplays and television shows; program lights and sound; design sets; and stage manage at theatres across Canada.
Photos by Emily Cooper
Acting Graduates
Carol Chu
Carol Chu (she/her) is a Vietnamese/Chinese artist from Edmonton (amiskwacîwâskahikan) on Treaty 6 Territory and an alumna of MacEwan University's Theatre Arts program. Her love for performing and acting has taken her to Vancouver and she is grateful to now be based and working on the unceded xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) lands. She has played at the Edmonton International Fringe Festival and has been a part of One of a Kind (Vancouver International Children's Festival). While at Studio, she made her Panto debut as Squirrel in East Van Panto: Robin Hood. Select Studio 58 credits include: Ensemble (We Are Boy Band), Heather McNamara (Heathers: The Musical), Marshall (Baggage), Sea Turtle (Gillty as Fin, FourPlay) and Olivia Truth (in an instant, Risky Nights). Carol is incredibly grateful to receive the 2025 Sydney Risk Acting Award. She hopes to continue creating art that connects hearts and the communities around her.
Kathryn Kerby
Kathryn Kerby is a musical soul, born in Toronto and raised in the small town of Stirling, Ontario. After deciding to sell everything, drive across the country and spend the first year of acting school living out of a truck, she is now currently looking for acting and production work in Vancouver. Kerby works on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱w7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations as an actor, production stage manager, sound designer and singer-songwriter. She loves a good challenge and is always willing to go the extra mile to deliver high-quality performances. Kerby is overjoyed and ready to continue working in theatre and can’t wait to share her creative drive and heart with you.
Philippa Ryder
Philippa Ryder is a versatile artist with a passion for music, dance and all forms of storytelling. They were born and raised on the unceded, ancestral and traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlil ̓wətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples (Vancouver). Their Studio 58 credits include: Ensemble (We Are Boy Band), Heather Chandler (Heathers: The Musical), Spinster (Linck & Mülhahn), John (Baggage), Orca (Gillty as Fin, FourPlay) and Willow’s Mind (Pretty Girls, FourPlay). Growing up, they had a passion for performing and have trained in voice, piano, dance and musical theatre at Arts Umbrella and the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. Philippa is proud to be one of four acting graduates in the Spring of 2025 and can’t wait for what comes next.
Ella Wood
Ella Grace Wood was born and raised in North Delta and now resides in Langley, on the unceded traditional territories of the Matsqui, Kwantlen, Katzie and Semiahmoo First Nations. Her passion for acting began in grade two and she has been pursuing her love for performance ever since. During her time at Studio 58, Ella co-wrote and performed as Margot in in an instant. She has had the privilege to play Evie in Pretty Girls, Clark in Baggage and Babette in Linck & Mülhahn. Beyond theatre, Ella has a deep appreciation for acting on film and enjoys spending time wherever the sun shines. She extends her heartfelt gratitude to her mom and Mitch, whose support has been instrumental in helping her chase her dreams.
Photos by Emily Cooper
Acting Graduates
Michelle Avila Navarro
Michelle is a multi-passionate artist with a love of writing, music and dance. Her love of theatre began when she was just a child, starring in her local town's productions. Since beginning her training at Studio 58, Michelle has had the privilege to co-create and appear in works such as Blood Wedding, Fly, Love (FourPlay) and The Raft (Risky Nights). Michelle is thrilled to be a part of this storytelling journey and thanks her graduating cohort for all their artistic collaboration throughout the terms.
Michelle Avila Navarro's Resume
Yorlene Bernido
Yorlene Bernido is a versatile multidisciplinary artist proudly from Davao, Philippines, now based on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Her recent theatrical work includes roles such as Sang Chai in Isa Pang Kanta (NPC3), Tita Baby in The Curse of Santa Milagrosa (NPC3), Angelica in The Banyan Tree (NPC3), Panganay in Engkanto (Playwrights Theatre Centre), Charlie in Pretty Girls (FourPlay, Studio 58), Salmon and Bailiff in Gillty as Fin (FourPlay, Studio 58), Playwright of Fly, Love (FourPlay, Studio 58), Jack's Mother and Puppeteer in Into the Woods (Studio 58), Second Woodcutter in Blood Wedding (Studio 58) and both Playwright and Dominique in The Raft (Risky Nights, Studio 58). Yorlene is dedicated to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities and strives to continually push theatre forward.
Lynny Jeanne-Marie Bonin
Lynny is a graduate of Studio 58’s Acting Program. She is originally from Manitoba, Treaty 1 territory, ancestral lands and traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene Peoples, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. Lynny is a proud member of the Manitoba Métis Federation and graduated with her B.A., Honours in Psychology and Theatre from the University of Manitoba. Growing up, Lynny took classes at Manitoba Theatre for Young People and has always enjoyed playwriting, acting, directing and film. She’s passionate about psychology and wellness, having worked in children’s research prior to attending Studio 58. Recently, Lynny played Marie in Where Have All the Buffalo Gone, an Axis Theatre adaptation of You Used to Call Me Marie, by Tai Amy Grauman.
Lynny Jeanne-Marie Bonin's Resume
Sewit Eden Haile
Sewit Eden Haile (she/her) is an emerging performer and writer! She lives in Burnaby with her lovely family, on the unceded lands of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples. Her Studio 58 credits include: Ruby/Playwright (Risky Nights, The Raft), Mother (Blood Wedding), Cinderella’s Stepmother (Into the Woods) and Isaac (Baggage). Her play Pretty Girls premiered at Studio’s FourPlay festival last spring! Outside of Studio 58, Sewit played Turtle in East Van Panto: Robin Hood (Theatre Replacement), and she’s written and performed in One of a Kind at the Vancouver International Children’s Festival and written for Momentum 180! Sewit is passionate about movement and looks forward to creating new work.
Lucy Jeffrey
Lucy Jeffery is a multidisciplinary artist who grew up on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory (Lions Bay) and the traditional use area of the Lhtako Dene and Xatśūll Nations (Wells, BC). Lucy has played cello from age five, which in turn ignited their passion as a singer songwriter. Their perceptions of the world around them and their love of nature influence their style. Art, music, theatre and storytelling ignite Lucy’s heart and are where they feel the most courageous and free. They are grateful for any opportunity to share their impressions of love and life with the community around them. Memorable roles include Jack in Into the Woods (Studio 58), The Raft (Risky Nights, Studio 58) and getting to be a part of this incredible ensemble and family at Studio 58. They cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Filip Fufezan
Filip Fufezan (he/him) is a Vancouver-based actor and writer on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Recent credits include Soldier (Linck & Mülhahn, Studio 58), Ben (Baggage, Studio 58), Mark (Panty Sniffers, FourPlay, Studio 58), Rapunzel’s Prince (Into the Woods, Studio 58), Jean (The December Man, Walterdale Theatre) and Assistant Director (One of a Kind, Vancouver International Children's Festival). His devised work includes The Raft (Risky Nights, Studio 58), which earned 3rd place in the Hamilton Fringe 2024 New Play Contest and was a finalist in the Toronto Fringe 2024 New Play Contest. Alongside acting, Filip is a published writer with work featured in various journals. He is passionate about creating honest and evocative work across literature, theatre and film. Filip is grateful for the support of Studio 58, friends and family.
Production Graduates
Starlynn Chen
Starlynn Chen (she/her) is an emerging costume and set designer, located on the unceded and ancestral lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Recent credits: Set Design for Linck & Mülhahn (Studio 58); Apprentice Costume Designer for Twelfth Night (Bard on the Beach); Costume Design for The Play That Goes Wrong (Metro Theatre); Design Assistant for Father Tartuffe: An Indigenous Misadventure (Arts Club, Touchstone Theatre); Apprentice Designer for Community Creates 2024 (Arts Club); and Education Production Assistant for Bard Education (Bard on the Beach). Starlynn extends her heartfelt gratitude to her family, the faculty of Studio 58 and her incredible cohort for being part of this transformative three-year journey. starlynnchen.com
Stefanie Lott
Stefanie Lott was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil and is a graduate of Studio 58’s Production Program. She left her career full of spreadsheets and business suits to follow her dream of working in theatre production, specifically in costuming and lighting. She is privileged to work, learn and grow on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Recent theatre credits include: Assistant to the Costume Designer (Blood Wedding, Studio 58), Set Crew Head (The Kitchen, Studio 58), Lighting Crew Head (A Chorus Line, Studio 58), Lighting Designer (Or Festival, 2023) and Production Crew (Bard on the Beach, 2023-2024).
Lou Marshall
Lou Marshall is an emerging stage manager and costume designer, proud to be one of five production graduates from Studio 58’s recently revamped 3-year Production Program. Lou has been fortunate to work closely with experienced designers and other creatives at Studio 58 on various productions during their time as a student and in their final year was given the opportunity to work as a Costume Designer on Studio 58’s FourPlay Festival (2024) for the shows Pretty Girls and Panty Sniffers. Most recently, Lou was the Stage Manager for Baggage (2024) and took on the role of Costume Production Intern for this year's East Van Panto. Lou has a deep love for the macabre and hopes to haunt the world of theatre with their designs and unusual talent of catching lost spiders who wandered into rehearsal uninvited. Follow Lou’s exploits in the world of theatre on their Instagram: @loumarshalll_
Najú Ururahy
Najú Ururahy is a multidisciplinary artist and graduate of the Production Program at Studio 58. Born and raised in Brazil, with a background in fine arts and architecture, Najú has many passions, including set, props and costume design. After gaining experience working and leading various crews, Najú debuted her work as a designer in January 2024 with her set design for Studio 58’s Into the Woods. Following that, she had the privilege of assisting Jenn Stewart with her set design for Fat Joke (Neworld Theatre). In her final production before graduation, Najú collaborated with the incredible Donnie Tejani as the Assistant Costume Designer for Linck & Mülhahn (Studio 58). She could not be more grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented team of artists.
Kady Yeung
Kady Yeung is an emerging artist and a graduate of Studio 58’s Production Program. Growing up, she had a variety of musical and performing training (piano, ballet, choir and more). She eventually found her love in theatre and production, especially in stage management and sound design. Born and raised in Hong Kong, she moved to Vancouver in 2021 to pursue her dreams and tell stories. She is endlessly grateful to have completed her training at Studio 58 and to share her art on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Recent credits include: Into the Woods (Stage Manager, Studio 58) and Ring of Fire (Apprentice Sound Designer, Arts Club Theatre Company). You can also find out more about her work on Instagram @kadyworkshere.
Photos by Emily Cooper
Acting Graduates
Emma Abbott
Emma del Carmen Abbott is a Latinx artist from Edmonton Alberta, Treaty 6 Territory. It was there where she found herself on stage at eleven years old, as the Evil Stepmother in her elementary’s production of Cinderella. Since then, her heart has taken her to many stages, including two post-secondary theatre programs (MacEwan Theatre Arts and Studio 58). Credits include: Cinderella (Into the Woods, Studio 58), Ensemble (East Van Panto: Beauty and the Beast, Theatre Replacement), Ariel (The Tempest, Studio 58), Rhonda/Co-Creator (Girlhood 4 Dummies, Studio 58). Emma has now found a home here in “Vancouver”, on the unceded and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. She’s excited to continue pursuing her passion for theatre and music (bonus if she can do both at once!) as well as creating her own work, in hopes of sharing the love she carries with anyone willing to listen.
Brynna Drummond
Brynna Drummond (she/her) lives in the unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. A graduate of Studio 58’s Production Program in 2019, Brynna has always had an appreciation for the off- and on-stage work that goes into storytelling. After her maquette building days were over, she felt her time spent in the Langara basement wasn’t quite finished. By joining the Acting Program in 2021, Brynna gained confidence through her love of acting. She is so grateful to all the Studio 58 faculty for their endless support and her fellow classmates and friends for sharing the stage with her.
Danica Kobayashi
Danica Kobayashi (she/her) is an emerging theatre artist residing in Vancouver on the unceded land of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples. After graduating from MacEwan University’s Theatre Arts Program, she performed in the community and worked as an arts educator for several years before returning to study at Studio 58. Recent credits include: Christina (Panty Sniffers, Studio 58), Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods, Studio 58), Gabrielle (Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Gateway Theatre), Iris (The Tempest, Studio 58) and Amanda (Girlhood 4 Dummies, Studio 58). Danica is fortunate enough to be the recipient of the 2024 Sydney Risk Acting Award as well as the 2023 Applause! Musicals Society’s Cheryl Hutcherson Memorial Award. Danica believes in creating safe, equitable spaces for young artists and is passionate about providing accessible arts education. Endless gratitude to her family for their constant support and to her classmates for putting up with three years of her terrible jokes.
Jenna Leigh
Jenna is an actor and writer living and working on the traditional and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Previously, you might have seen her in Studio 58 productions such as Florinda in Into the Woods or as a proud co-creator/actor in the Risky Nights production of Girlhood 4 Dummies. She’s a graduate of the theatre diploma program at Vancouver Island University where she acted in the quirky play William Shakespeare’s Land of the Dead. As a writer, her one-act play I Feel Everything premiered at the 2021 New Waves Festival with Western Edge Theatre in Nanaimo. Her second play, Panty Sniffers, debuted at Studio 58’s FourPlay. The play discusses the struggle of low-income folks and breaks down sex work stereotypes. She’d like to thank her family for their ongoing support, particularly her parents, who endured many “I don’t know if I can do this!” phone calls. Love you all!
Olivia Manojlovic
Olivia Manojlovic (she/her) is an emerging artist living on the traditional and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. She discovered her love for performing in elementary school by joining Vanderhoof Children’s Theatre, located on the unceded Dakelh (Carrier) Nation. Her love for theatre carried her through high school, eventually leading her to Studio 58. After graduating, Olivia aims to create and collaborate in the theatre and film community of Vancouver, focusing on femme empowerment. Recent credits at Studio 58 include: Little Red Ridinghood (Into the Woods), First Maiden (Blood Wedding), Francisca (The Tempest) and Violet (The Kitchen).
Marielle Ortinez
Marielle is an emerging Mexican actor and student at Studio 58 who is thankful to live on the unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. She has written and acted in small productions back in Mexico such as Feliz Aniversario (Microteatro León) and Pero que necesidad (Microteatro León) and loves to sing! Her recent credits include The Kitchen (Studio 58), The Tempest (Studio 58) and Blood Wedding (Studio 58). She also had the opportunity to explore the meaning of womanhood in Girlhood 4 Dummies, a piece co-created with her cohort at Studio 58. She is excited to find new ways to stretch her imagination and explore intersectionality within cultures.
Alyson Vance
Alyson Vance is a multi-disciplinary artist who has always had a deep passion for the weird and beautiful. She has had the privilege of growing up here in “Vancouver”, the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, where her family has always supported her pursuit of the arts. Alyson found her love of theatre through her song and dance solos at Tri-City Dance Centre and continued her dance training at Harbour Dance Centre’s Intensive Training Program. She then plucked up the courage to push herself to Studio 58 to further pursue her love of acting and creating theatre. Some of her credits include: The Prosecutor (Gillty as Fin, Studio 58), Chorus #5 (Pretty Girls, Studio 58), Rapunzel/Granny/Cinderella’s Mother/Dance Captain (Into the Woods, Studio 58), Ensemble (Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Gateway Theatre), Alonza (The Tempest, Studio 58) and Bunny/Devisor (Girlhood 4 Dummies, Studio 58). Alyson hopes to continue to create meaningful, wacky and feminist theatre to share with the community. She would like to thank the faculty of Studio 58 and her family with all her heart and hopes she can make them all proud!
Marianna Zouzoulas
Marianna Zouzoulas is an interdisciplinary artist originally from the unceded territories of the Anishinaabe, known as “Ottawa”. She found her love for art in drawing. But after ruining one too many tablecloths, she was encouraged to branch out and make messes on stage rather than exclusively in her parents’ kitchen. Marianna pursued the performing arts in and outside of high school during her adolescence. This included a youth theatre apprenticeship with Odyssey Theatre. As a performer on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, her credits at Studio 58 include Miranda (The Tempest), Second Maiden (Blood Wedding), Lucinda (Into the Woods), Gina (Girlhood 4 Dummies, Risky Nights) and Mia (Panty Sniffers, FourPlay). Marianna would like to thank her family and partner for their unconditional love and support. And of course, the fierce women she has shared the stage with. And Filip.
Photos by Emily Cooper
Acting Graduates
Jillian Burke
Jillian Burke (they/she) is a multidisciplinary artist now living on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. Their most recent credits at Studio 58 include The Tempest, Blood Wedding, Metamorphoses and A Chorus Line. They’ve also had the joy of Assistant Directing Vascular Necrosis at this year's rEvolver Festival and are excited to take it to Realwheels Theatre in 2024. Currently serving as Head Coordinator for Studio 58's Diversity Committee, they strive to use their voice and opportunities to create a space for those still looking for a way to share their own. Their work hopes to bring a spotlight to the stories exploring themes of culture, queer identity, connection and coexistence. Check out their debut as a director/playwright with Political, a mini-series about the current human rights movement in the middle east, streaming this winter, and the Gnawing Mind Series, a POV into the neurodiverse premiering summer 2024.
Janavi Chawla
Janavi (she/they) is a theatre artist born and raised in Vancouver, BC on the unceded, traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Joining the improv team in high school sparked her need for theatre, which led her to train at Arts Umbrella in the Pre-Professional Senior Theatre Troupe. Her training there directed her to Studio 58! Recent credits include: Keeva (The Kitchen, Studio 58), Diana (A Chorus Line, Studio 58) and Diana/Stewart/Larry (Polar Opposites, Burnaby Arts Council). When she’s not in the theatre, she enjoys teaching the public about space at the planetarium! She would like to thank her family and all the teachers in her life for their continued guidance and support.
Caylen Creative
Caylen is a neurodiverse artist working on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. As a creative, Caylen has skills in dance, music and performance. His skills also extend past the stage and into the tech booth as a lighting and sound designer. Previous credits at Studio 58 include Boy in Blood Wedding, Stephano in The Tempest, Head Band Boy in A Chorus Line and Magi in The Kitchen. Caylen co-wrote Gillty as Fin, which will premiere as part of Studio 58’s FourPlay. Caylen is overjoyed to work in theatre and cannot wait to share his heart with you.
L Danger
L started her artistic journey through her hands in painting, drawing and writing. As she grew older, her artistry reached through her hands and into her body where she fell in love with dance. Then, her artistry grew so much it overflowed out of her mouth. L believes there is no greater gift than sharing love through art with a community. She believes that art is for the whole world to experience and will do everything in her power as an artist to help everyone have equal opportunity and access to it. L has the absolute privilege to explore as an artist on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəyə̓m, Sḵwxw̱ú7mesh and səlilwətaɬ Nations.
Serena Hatch
Serena Hatch is an actor, writer and artist living in Burnaby BC home to the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples. Since moving here, she has developed a strong bond with theatre and film, getting the chance to grow and expand her skills at Studio 58. Her experiences range from annual musicals to Shakespeare productions and devised theatre. Serena is passionate about queer issues and exploring the dark sides of people that make others uncomfortable. Previous credits at Studio 58 include Antonia (The Tempest), Hettie (The Kitchen), Bebe/Mel/Rosalie u/s (A Chorus Line), Ensemble (Metamorphoses) and Ensemble (enough is enough is enough). Serena is thankful for the wide range of opportunities that Studio 58 has given her and is grateful for the support of her friends and family on and off stage. She is excited to continue to push beyond barriers in her upcoming projects after graduation.
Samantha Kerr
Samantha (she/her) is an artist living and working on the traditional and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Passionate about performing since she was a toddler, Sam continues to be grateful for every opportunity to express herself through acting, singing, dance and music. Recent theatre credits include Gonzala (The Tempest, Studio 58), Diana (The Bright Young Things, Edmonton Fringe), Michaela (The Kitchen, Studio 58), June/Maggie u.s./Dance Captain (A Chorus Line, Studio 58), Arachne (Metamorphoses, Studio 58) and Ensemble/Co-Creator (enough is enough is enough, Studio 58). Sam is looking forward to crafting more original work for stage and screen, telling feminist stories and empowering the female voice. She lovingly thanks all her family, friends, and teachers for their support through Studio 58 and beyond.
Katie Schram
Looking to embody fully realized and autonomous female characters, Katie Schram has been bringing her vision to the stage for over a decade. Inspired by the films of Martin Scorsese and his emotionally repressed male characters, this emotional young woman has worked both on and off stage, primarily as an actor and youth theatre director, and occasionally as a stage manager. Katie is most passionate about finding compassion and dignity for even the most seemingly reprehensible characters to ever set foot onstage. Her credits at Studio 58 include Prospera (The Tempest), Neighbour (Blood Wedding), Polly (The Kitchen), Kristine (A Chorus Line) and Caesar et al. (Metamorphoses). Most recently, Katie worked as an actor in the early development of an upcoming major motion picture script.
Emma Soothill
Emma Soothill is a performing artist born and raised in the Greater “Vancouver” Area, on the stolen lands of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. After joining her high school theatre program on a dare, Emma realized she could be an artist without being good at drawing (her skills of which are abysmal). Emma feels immensely privileged to have spent the last three years learning about and creating art here at Studio 58. Her credits with Studio 58 include: Caliban (The Tempest), Polly (The Kitchen) and Sheila (A Chorus Line). Looking ahead, Emma hopes to immerse herself in the theatre and film industry and continue learning about what it means to be an artist – while not taking herself too seriously! She wants to thank all her loved ones for their endless support, especially her parents and her Nana, for recognizing and nurturing the love Emma finds in the performing arts.
Hikari Terasawa
Hikari Terasawa (she/her) was born and raised in Nagano, Japan. She came to Canada in 2018 to pursue her performing arts career. She is grateful for the privilege to create and perform as an actor and dancer on the unceded traditional lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. She holds great pride in being a bilingual multidisciplinary artist who always remembers where she comes from. Recent credits include Ariel (The Tempest, Studio 58); Ray (The Kitchen, Studio 58); Violet, Ensemble, Dance Captain, Ballet Solo Choreographer (A Chorus Line, Studio 58); and Anna, Choreographer (Ikigai, Halfie Films).
Samuel Walmsley-Byrne
Samuel Walmsley-Byrne’s first memories revolve around reading, writing, hearing and telling stories. This love of storytelling naturally led him to the theatre, and to his first ever role as Lead Crocodile (Once Upon a Lily Pad, Quadra Elementary). Throughout his life, Sam has found joy in many facets of the performing arts, including dancing ballet and playing woodwind instruments. Raised in Victoria, yet born in Palo Alto to British parents, he has been most influenced by the offbeat world of British comedy. Sam’s credits at Studio 58 include Father (Blood Wedding), Sebastian (The Tempest), Dimitri (The Kitchen), Bobby (A Chorus Line) and Actaeon (Metamorphoses). Samuel aims to find the heart of every character whose life he is fortunate enough to live for six days a week.
Samuel Walmsley-Byrne's Resume
Terrence Zhou
Terrence Zhou (he/him) is a Chinese-Canadian multidisciplinary artist raised in Fort St. John, BC, located on the traditional lands of the Dane-zaa First Nations within Treaty 8. Terrence was drawn to theatre in his final years of high school, having performed in musicals such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Wizard of Oz. After a small hiatus from acting, Terrence moved to Vancouver and is excited to explore the local arts scene. He has rediscovered his love for acting, singing and dancing, and hopes to do all three on stage for the rest of his life. Select credits at Studio 58 include: Hans (The Kitchen), Mike (A Chorus Line), Hecuba/Ensemble (Metamorphoses) and Ferdinand (The Tempest). He is currently working on a musical that will debut as a part of Studio 58’s FourPlay and is looking forward to seeing it brought to life.
Photos by Pink Monkey Studios
Acting Graduates
Zoë Autumn
Since needing an arts credit in the tenth grade, Zoë has been unequivocally devoted to theatre. Originally from Kelowna, she has worked both on and off stage in a variety of local productions. Select Kelowna credits include Shelby (Steel Magnolias, Kelowna Actors Studio), Claire (Little One, Mad Fox Theatre) and Clarice (Adrift, Fred Skeleton Theatre Company). Since moving to Vancouver and attending Studio 58, Zoë has explored the theatrical world as an Assistant Stage Manager, a playwright and performer. Last season, Zoë and creative soulmate Abi Padilla wrote How To F*ck Up A Funeral, which was produced for the Six Of One: New Play Festival. Select performances include: originating the role of Dawn (Aftermath, Studio 58), a play written by fellow classmate Ben Brown; Tess (Blue Stockings, Studio 58); and most recently, The Professor et al. (Metamorphoses, Studio 58). Zoë is excited to take on the professional world as both an actor and writer after graduating this spring. She would like to thank all the faculty and staff who have made school a life changing experience, and to her friends and family who have helped her so much along the way. And to her dog, Linus. She loves her dog.
Kahlila Ball
Artist and actor Kahlila Ball (she/her) was born and raised on the unceded Coast Salish land of Salt Spring Island. On the Island, she quickly formed a tight-knit creative community. Her experience ranges from annual musicals and Shakespeare productions with exitStageLeft to collective creation and physical theatre training with the Gulf Islands School of Performing Arts. Kahlila was also fortunate to compete in the National Improv Games winning silver and gold consecutively, as well as the Spirit of the Games Award. This summer, she worked as a teaching artist at Bard on the Beach with Riotous Youth. Kahlila’s most recent credits include Ensemble (Metamorphoses, Studio 58), Maeve Sullivan (Blue Stockings, Studio 58), Tortoise & Actor 2 (Six of One: New Play Festival, Studio 58), Romeo (Romeo and Juliet, exitStageLeft) and Martha Bessell (Spring Awakening, exitStageLeft). Recently Kahlila's love of performance has expanded to include extra-curricular pole and burlesque training. As she emerges from her education at Studio 58, Kahlila plans to hone her skills as an actor, movement artist and deviser. Her current creative philosophy is built around playfulness, ensemble and leaning into what terrifies her most.
Kate Berg
Kate Berg is a graduating student of Studio 58, located on the unceded and ancestral lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. They are originally from Win-nipi (Winnipeg), Manitoba, located on Treaty 1 Territory and home of the Métis Nation. Kate grew up being drawn to performing, they always had an inkling for theatre since childhood and at the University of Manitoba their passion was cracked open, completing their bachelor’s degree in theatre. She is passionate about feminist, Shakespearean and experimental theatre while providing accessible spaces for everyone to enjoy. Previous select credits include: Carolyn (Blue Stockings, Studio 58); Lady MacDuff (Macbeth, University of Manitoba); and Nancy (Pitch!, University of Manitoba). Kate is thankful for her learning opportunities with Studio 58 and the support of her friends and family in both her Prairie and mountain homes. Catch them onstage in their graduating solo show this April. Kate is always seeking out their next adventure and is excited to discover what lies on their path ahead!
Ben Brown
Ben Brown is a Vancouver-based actor and writer originally from St. Albert, Alberta. Though he grew up playing hockey, Ben always had a passion for performing and eventually gave up athletics to pursue acting. Throughout high school, Ben starred in a variety of productions with the St. Albert Children’s Theatre and Paul Kane High School Theatre, including Tuck Everlasting, It’s A Wonderful Life, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera and The Little Mermaid (twice!). His desire to improve naturally led him to Studio 58, where he has had the opportunity to push himself outside of his comfort zone and gain new confidence in his artistic ability, all while falling in love with the city of Vancouver. Studio 58 credits include: Frank (The Kitchen), Al (A Chorus Line), Ensemble (Metamorphoses), Mr. Banks (Blue Stockings) and Ben/The Mouse (Budding). As a playwright, Ben had his one-act comedy, Aftermath, produced in Studio 58’s Six of One: New Play Festival; it was a dream come true to see his peers acting in a play he wrote. Looking beyond Studio 58, Ben is excited to continue acting, writing and learning more about who he is as an artist.
Ethan DeHoog
Spending much of his childhood moving from one city to another, Ethan spent his awkward teenage years in the Northern town of Smithers, BC. Though a piece of his heart remains there, he is grateful to find a home and community on the unceded traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. His recent credits include Holmes (Blue Stockings, Studio 58), Cephalus, et al. (Metamorphoses, Studio 58), Mark Anthony (A Chorus Line, Studio 58) and Buggy Moore (Trailer Variations, Veda Hille, Amiel Gladstone). As he moves forward, Ethan hopes to pursue and create work that shares his love of life and the gift of experiencing it with others.
Cassidy Hergott
Cassidy Hergott was born and raised in Kelowna, BC on the unceded land of the Sylix/Okanagan people. She grew up playing the piano and singing, which progressed into a love for musical theatre. Cassidy was heavily immersed in the Kelowna theatre scene, as she was involved in various productions, attended a performing arts high school and taught children’s theatre classes. She then moved to Vancouver for Studio 58's acting program. Select credits include Bebe and Cassie u/s (A Chorus Line, Studio 58), Ensemble (Metamorphoses, Studio 58), Maeve u/s, Mrs. Blake u/s and Minnie u/s (Blue Stockings, Studio 58), Doris (The Stranger, Peninsula Productions) and Natalie (Next to Normal, Kelowna Actors Studio). Cassidy spends her free time taking dance classes including pole, jazz, ballet and tap. After graduation, Cassidy is excited to dive into the world of theatre and film, while exploring burlesque and other movement styles.
Brodie Kyle Klassen
Brodie is a performing artist who creates and plays on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. At a young age, Brodie decided that being an actor would be easier and more fun than chores. He was right about one of those things. With aspirations of becoming an actor, Brodie was also intrinsically drawn to music and singing, this led him to take Capilano University's Musical Theatre Program. He feels as privileged to have started his theatre training there as he does with finishing his time at Studio 58. The tools and skills he gained from his first program have only been nurtured and refined during his time here. His select credits include: Don (A Chorus Line, Studio 58), Professor Collins (Blue Stockings, Studio 58), Sparky (Forever Plaid, First Impressions Theatre), Josh (9 to 5, CapU Theatre), Otto Kringelein (Grand Hotel, Arbutus Studio) and Phoebus (The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Secondary Characters). Brodie is also a proud recipient of the Cheryl Hutcherson Memorial Award (APPLAUSE! Musicals Society). Big thank yous to friends old and new that have made this season of his life brimming with joy, and a special thank you to David, “for loving and supporting me.”
Sebastian Levy
Sebastian is an actor working on the lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, or Vancouver. He comes from Alberta’s Treaty 6 territory, but despite his cowboy roots, favours playing the sort of high-status villains who might want to bulldoze a scenic pasture on Heartland. Outside of Studio 58, he has most recently played in A Life in the Theatre at the Edmonton Fringe and Vetito Media’s Finn Slough and Honey, I’m Home! At Studio 58, he has appeared as Bob in Aftermath and Stage Directions in Everyone Loves a Mystery (Six of One: New Play Festival), Professor Radleigh in Blue Stockings, Zach in A Chorus Line and as Assistant Director for Metamorphoses.
Brian Martinez
Brian Martinez is a multidisciplinary artist from the beautiful and chilly province of Alberta. He was raised in Amiskwaciy-Wâskahikan (Edmonton). He started dancing at age 11, learning styles such as hip-hop, salsa, bachata and contemporary. Brian attended Victoria High School of the Arts, where he fell in love with acting and never turned back. He performed as an ensemble member in musicals such as In the Heights and Mary Poppins. His recent stage credits include Gavin (C.A.T.S. - Creating A Transformative Space, Studio 58), Little Man (Old Man Little Man, Studio 58), Billy (Blue Stockings, Studio 58), Orpheus/Phaeton/Ensemble (Metamorphoses, Studio 58) and Paul (A Chorus Line, Studio 58). Outside of acting, Brian enjoys photography and writing/filming/directing/acting in short films, alongside a group of friends on their collective YouTube channel (Chocolate Milk Art Collective). Brian is beyond grateful to be able to learn, perform and practice on the unceded traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. He was a 2020 recipient of the Bob Maskell Scholarship. Brian hopes to continue growing and challenging himself as a performer and artist on stage and in the film and TV world.
Abi Padilla
Abi is a Filipino-Canadian theatre actor, filmmaker and writer. Select acting credits from Studio 58 include Connie Wong (A Chorus Line), Celia Willbond (Blue Stockings) and Diana Ross (The Bright Young Things). Outside Studio 58, she has performed as Adella (East Van Panto: The Little Mermaid, Theatre Replacement), Thu/Flower Girl (Vietgone, United Players of Vancouver) and Joy/Josie (buto/buto: Bones are Seeds, SEACHS). The two short plays she co-wrote, The Banyan Tree and How to F*ck Up a Funeral have been staged at the Six of One: New Play Festival. Her short film directorial debut Thank You, Mila has been showcased in the Mighty Asian Moviemaking Marathon 2020 under the Vancouver Asian Film Festival. Abi’s multi-disciplinary work is deeply rooted in the immigrant experience, community reconciliation and cultural collaborations.
Brandon Pringle
Brandon is a multidisciplinary artist born under the weird and rainy skies of Vancouver. He lives and works on the unceded traditional lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Brandon started singing at a young age. He toured the world as part of the British Columbia Boys Choir, singing in locales such as Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and Scotland as well as opening the 2014 Canada Day Parliament Hill Ceremonies. Yet, Brandon’s penchant for performance and storytelling was not quenched with only singing. He soon fell in love with acting. In his senior year at Handsworth Secondary, Brandon co-wrote, performed in and penned the lyrics for an original musical, No Idea. Recent stage credits include Mark (C.A.T.S. - Creating A Transformative Space, Studio 58), Tom/Boyfriend/Ensemble (Trailer Variations, Workshop), Edwards (Blue Stockings, Studio 58), Baucis/Apollo/Ensemble (Metamorphoses, Studio 58) and Roy/Al and Bobby’s Understudy (A Chorus Line, Studio 58). After graduation Brandon is excited to progress as an actor on the stage and screen, as well as a writer and a composer. Brandon showcased his offbeat creative spirit in his multimedia absurdist piece The Looking Room during Studio 58’s Solo Shows.
Trinity Richardson
Trinity Richardson is an artist born and raised in Lions Bay, a small village in West Vancouver, BC. Acting, singing and dancing have been a huge part of her life for as long as she can remember. After spending most of her elementary and high school days involved in dance lessons and competitions, choir (school and the West Vancouver District Honour choir), drama class and her high school theatre company, she decided to further her education at Studio 58’s professional theatre program. She is extremely grateful for the opportunity to spend the last three years working, learning and growing here on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Her recent credits include: Elizabeth (C.A.T.S. - Creating A Transformative Space, Risky Nights, Studio 58), Flo (Trailer Variations, musical workshop), Lady in the Café & Carolyn u/s (Blue Stockings, Studio 58), Ensemble (Metamorphoses, Studio 58) and Judy (A Chorus Line, Studio 58). Once graduated, Trinity hopes to continue to grow her passion for the arts by pursuing a career in theatre, as well as in film and TV. Trinity would like to express great appreciation for all the wonderful teachers, faculty and friends she has met during her time at Studio 58. She wouldn’t be where she is without them.
Daniel Tompkins
Daniel is an actor and director originally hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba but is happy to now call Vancouver home. Select acting credits include: Gregory Gardner (A Chorus Line, Studio 58), Procris (Metamorphoses, Studio 58), Professor Anderson (Blue Stockings, Studio 58), Mr. Bidwell (Trailer Variations, Veda Hille & Amiel Gladstone), Jerry (The Zoo Story, Winnipeg Fringe Festival) and Willy (Doubtful House, Black Hole Theatre Company). As director, his proudest achievement was directing the sold out run of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? for the Black Hole Theatre Company in 2015. He is grateful to the staff & faculty at Studio 58 for all their guidance, his family & friends for their endless support and, of course, to his new family in Vancouver for always being there for him.
